DID YOU KNOW? APRIL 26th,2021

CARSTAR is one of our corporate sponsors and I have encouraged them to share information that would be of benefit to the industry whether they are part of their network or not. Collin Welsh and Jennifer Paulino have stepped up with a number of articles to help our SAAR members better serve their customers. 

How To Protect Your Vehicle from a Hail Damage

With heavy rain and seasonal hailstorms in the forecast, residents are readying their homes, but they shouldn’t forget their second-largest asset, their vehicle.

High winds, hail, and debris from a storm can do tremendous damage to an unprotected vehicle,” says Tony Mammone, vice president of operations, CARSTAR Canada. “Vehicles are getting increasingly more complex in their engineering, so any damage can affect more than just the exterior of your vehicle. Features like backup cameras, anti-lock braking, and blind-spot detection all require sensors to work, and that technology needs to be repaired after it’s damaged.”

“To protect your car against hail damage this spring, it is important to observe weather warnings and ensure your vehicle is in a safe place if a storm event is coming,” comments Mammone. “Park your car in your garage or find a secure parking garage and park on an upper level, if possible, to protect it until the storm passes. If a garage isn’t available, park close to a large building on higher ground to protect from wind and debris.”

Dealing with the aftermath of a big storm can be challenging. Getting your car back up and running shouldn’t add to anyone’s stress. To help with the process, CARSTAR suggests:

• After the storm clears the first thing you should do is contact your SGI and talk to your preferred body shop to get your vehicle into the repair queue as soon as possible. 
• Record any damage to your vehicle with photos and video, including street names, road signs, and details on the storm’s impact.
• If your vehicle has been flooded, don’t attempt to drive it, as the water can damage the electronics, engine, fuel system, and other critical components – contact a repair professional for assistance.

My name is Billy Weinmann, from Sun Collision, a Snap on Company. Are you using an OEM information system? Does it leave you with challenges? Or are you needing an OEM information system because you’re tired of spending too much time searching for it. Sun Collision solutions offers complete OEM repair information and procedures. Covering all 4 areas of repair, collision, mechanical, electrical, and advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).

Our program is set up with augmented intelligence, which makes the search just a click or two away. The navigation process is not convoluted and is done with ease. Our system is updated regularly, so it offers the most recent, and updated OEM information. Our remove and replace process offers complete visual and verbal directions. A huge aspect of our program is the ADAS information, it shows you the pre and post testing along with all of the calibrations.

Here are some reasons why to take a look at Sun Collision. OEM information is OEM information, that can’t be changed. What can be changed is how you lay it out and the ease of use to get to it. I believe that our program offers the easiest way of navigation, with an average of 2-3 clicks you are right at the forefront of the information. We separated the information into individual tabs so that you’re not needing to sift through paragraphs of info to reach the answer. We offer 5 concurrent users at no additional cost. We have a complete team to guide you if you’re having trouble in your search. They are ASE certified technicians waiting to assist you. Our program also comes with complete training. Our program is updated every 4-6 weeks, so you will have the most concurrent OEM info.

Please take a view at our press release at the SEMA show in Vegas

If you want to know more and see a demo of this product join us on Monday June 14that 4 pm CST and Billy will go over the program. Register here

FREE NOISE LEVEL TESTING AT YOUR BUSINESS

When was the last time you had your noise levels tested at your business? If your staff are exposed to noise levels that exceed 80dBA; the employer shall ensure that the noise level is measured and evaluated by a competent person.

MSA’s competent Safety Advisors can come to your site at no additional charge and conduct noise level testing. We will also provide you with Noise Level Decals and a Noise Level Summary Report. Click here to book now: info@motorsafety.ca

SAAR’s Website Has a Buy & Sell Section

Click on the image below to get to the SAAR website and check out new items!

From our friends at the Society of Collision Repair Specialists you can download their Guide to Complete Estimating and Repair Planning here You may want to use it as is or use it as a template to develop your own in-house repair planning guide.

You’re invited to sign up to Canbaba here!

Canbaba is a brand new all Canadian bulk wholesaling marketplace where you can easily list, buy and sell wholesale equipment, supplies and inventory.

Suppliers: sign up to create your free virtual business storefront and unlimited product listings. Just set your minimum order quantity.

Shops: sign up to create your free buyer account to shop, compare and easily buy Canadian wholesale products. 

Join Canbaba here now!

The ARA Group Benefits plan has proven to offer significant savings and stable renewals. The association group plan is insured by Sun Life and is one of the largest in Canada, covering over 3,000 employees and their families. All revenue generated by the plan is used to support the automotive industry through the ARA.

 What is the difference of an association plan? The ARA employee benefits plans are self-administered by the association which runs as a not for profit. This means that members of the plan can use more plan for less cost than any other plan available outside of the association. For example, the ARA can obtain a target loss ratio (TLR) of 85%. This is 15-20% higher than most employee benefits plans offered in Saskatchewan.

 What is a target loss ratio? It is essentially the percentage of premiums paid that can be used towards benefits. Most plans offer a TLR of 70%, while the other 30% goes to administration costs, commissions, etc. Since ARA self-administers, it can increase your TLR by 15% meaning employees can use more of the plan without the worry of seeing an increase in premiums the following year.

 What does this all mean for SAAR members? Well to start, it is the opportunity to participate in one of the largest, longest running and most stable association plans in Canada. You have the chance to get more out of your group benefits plan while saving money along the way. So far, we have seen a 5-25% savings in premiums along with many improvements to current benefit plans. We encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity.

 How do I get on the plan? First, we would gather information and supply you with a quote. We will provide you with a comparison if you currently have a plan. We will also help you to analyze your plan to ensure you have the coverage you and your employees need. If you feel satisfied, we will implement the new plan the following month. If you wish, getting a quote is free and only takes about 10 minutes out of your day to supply us with the proper information.

If you wish to obtain a free quote and comparison, please feel free to contact one of our team members and we will happily help.

We look forward to working with you!

Leslie DeBoice                         Lee Campbell                             Ken Campbell

306-649-4000 x.111               306-649-4000 x.104               306-649-4000 x. 103

leslie.deboice@sunlife.com  lee.campbell@sunlife.com  ken.campbell@sunlife.com